The gas giant planets Jupiter and Saturn will dominate the August nights, as both Mars and Venus will be largely lost in the glare of the sun. Keen-eyed observers will also be able to hunt down the innermost planet, Mercury, as it makes its best morning appearance of the year. And despite interference from the moon, sky-watchers should be on the lookout for bright Perseid fireballs.

So mark your August calendar, and gaze skyward on the next clear night.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the first week of August will present your last opportunity of the year to enjoy some eye-catching displays of noctilucent clouds.

These wispy “night shining” clouds appear at the edge of space, as ice crystals form around dust particles falling